The Power of Language: Preserving Our Ancestral Voices

 

Language is more than just a means of communication; it’s the essence of a culture, a way of sharing stories, traditions, and wisdom passed down through generations. When a language dies, so does a piece of its people's identity, history, and connection to the land. This is especially true for Indigenous languages, which have been systematically suppressed and replaced by colonial languages. The loss of these languages is a painful reality that continues to affect many communities, including my own.

I recently began exploring my Songhees ancestry and encountered the difficulty of finding resources on the Songhees language. While the Songhees language, a Coast Salish dialect, isn’t entirely extinct, it is endangered, and finding fluent speakers is a challenge. Like many Indigenous communities across Canada and beyond, the Songhees Nation is working hard to revitalize its language, but the path to reclamation is steep, especially after years of suppression.

I’ve always been passionate about languages. In school, I was introduced to French, which we learned as early as grade 2 and continued through high school. Yet, despite years of study, I could never retain it. I hated it. But my interest in Spanish grew, especially after spending time in Mexico. I wanted to speak Spanish fluently, but the college I attended only offered French, so I took two years of French, hoping the exposure to a new language would help me. Still, I found it hard to grasp and retain, and despite spending time in Mexico, my Spanish is still not where I want it to be.

When I think about languages, particularly the Indigenous languages that are at risk of being lost, I realize how important it is to immerse yourself in the language for it to truly become a part of you. As I reflect on my personal struggles with language, I see how much harder it must be for communities to reclaim their languages after centuries of forced assimilation and displacement.

In Oaxaca, where I’ve spent time, there is an Indigenous language with a similar fate—close to extinction. I had hopes of moving off-grid to live in a community that was working to preserve this language. I wanted to immerse myself in the culture and language, helping to keep it alive and pass it on to the next generation. Sadly, my friend, who had invited me to this journey, passed away, and now those plans are uncertain.

Language preservation and revitalization are critical for healing, empowerment, and reclaiming one’s identity. Whether it’s the Songhees language of Vancouver Island, the Indigenous languages of Oaxaca, or any other language facing extinction, we must understand the urgency in preserving and revitalizing these languages. By learning these languages, we honor the ancestors who spoke them, and we ensure that the stories, knowledge, and traditions they carry are passed down to future generations.

I may not speak Songhees or Spanish fluently yet, but I’m committed to learning. It’s a lifelong journey, and it’s one that requires patience, immersion, and community. It’s not easy, but it’s necessary.

If you’re passionate about language preservation, whether it’s your own ancestral tongue or a language that interests you, there are resources and communities working to keep them alive. Getting involved, learning, and supporting Indigenous language revitalization efforts is one of the most powerful ways to make a difference.

We must remember: language is not just words—it’s culture, connection, and identity. Let’s ensure that the voices of our ancestors continue to be heard.